A 1969 Fender Competition Mustang guitar owned by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain is being auctioned by Christie's in March, with an estimated price of $2.5–$5 million. The guitar was used on the albums *Nevermind* and *In Utero*, as well as in the music video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and numerous live performances. It is part of the Jim Irsay Collection, assembled by the late Indianapolis Colts owner, which includes instruments from John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and others.
The sale underscores the enduring market value of rock memorabilia tied to iconic cultural moments, with Cobain's guitar representing a direct link to the grunge era and one of the most recognizable music videos in history. Christie's involvement highlights how auction houses continue to capitalize on the intersection of music, pop culture, and collecting, treating such artifacts as high-value art-world commodities.